People

THE FIRST AND LAST MILENurturing partnerships and system growth through innovation

Dennis “Doc” Mahoney retired from his position as Vice President, Operations after 24 years of service with World Shipping last year, which leaves me with some very large sails to ﬁll. Thankfully his unique ability to ﬁnd creative solutions and his dedication to the shipping industry were something he passed along to me since taking the helm in 2017. I am thrilled to lead the next generation of innovation and to continue World Shipping’s contribution to the Great Lakes ports and the maritime industry.

The beginning of the World Shipping voyage started in 1960, when the St. Lawrence Seaway opened and our founder, Jack E. Hunger, recognized the need for vessel operations. We quickly grew into the leading vessel husbandry company in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Jack’s innovation and success stemmed from a dedication to superior customer service, and we continue that legacy today by creating customer-based solutions. We continue to understand the importance of that ﬁrst and last mile. We are continually improving efﬁciencies for our customers around the Great Lakes by having a one-stop-shop with our company.

Connecting the supply chain.

World Shipping’s advantage in the logistics market stems from the ability to coordinate and connect its subsidiary companies, each of which specializes in aspects of the supply chain. Many people—upon hearing ‘logistics’—think the implications of what we do starts and stops with transportation. While that is certainly a part of it, there are many different aspects to this industry.

Continual improvements.

One of World Shipping’s newest examples of innovating the last mile is done by partnering with our sister company, UWL, LLC an asset-based global forwarder. UWL created efﬁciencies for our customers by coordinating the customs brokerage services for us. A customs house broker (CHB) is a critical service provided by logistics companies to ensure that import cargo is correctly cleared with U.S. customs. They are licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department after passing a rigorous written examination and an extensive background investigation. This is a service we couldn’t have provided on our own, but could easily add through the expertise of UWL.

Today, UWL is no longer just clearing traditional containerized imports and air-freight, but are now clearing the international bulk vessels coming into the Great Lakes. This type of service takes on a whole new level for their brokerage team and opens a new opportunity previously not being explored. Our big advantage is that we work seamlessly internally, we know the exact movement of the vessels and our customs brokerage team is just down the hall from my team, so we all work in unison. Most importantly, keeping it all in one company makes efﬁciencies for us and for our customers.

Adding CHB as a service takes us from the ﬁrst mile to the last mile and gets product closer to its destination. The shipowners get an agent, broker and logistics company in one. They can then pass that convenience onto their customers, as well. It’s a win for everyone. It is this type of innovation, stemming from providing better service for our customers, that I hope to initiate and encourage as I lead this next generation for World Shipping, Inc. It is important to me that I continue to represent the values of our founder, the culture of my predecessor and, as a result, continue to help make the Great Lakes a mainstay of the global economy. ■

Jackie Csiszar is the Director of Vessel Operations for World Shipping, Inc. headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. World Shipping, Inc., a World Group Company, is the Maritime Concierge for Canadian and U.S. Great Lakes ports. The World Group includes World Shipping, Inc., ContainerPort Group, UWL, LLC and World Distribution Services.

CLEVELAND, OH – October 30, 2017 – ContainerPort Group, Inc. announced today that its President and long-time company veteran, Russel A. Graef, passed away on October 26, 2017. It is with great sorrow that we share the loss of one of the intermodal industry’s founders, pioneers and collaborators.

Since CPG’s founding in 1971, Graef held executive positions in all divisions of the business, including terminal operations, sales, logistics, fleet safety, trucking, depot/CY and M&R operations. Fred Hunger, CEO of World Shipping, CPG’s parent company says, “Russ was a true company man focused on ContainerPort Group’s mission: To become intermodal’s best by achieving excellence in all we do. He was capable of operating lift machines, dispatching trucks, presenting to the Board of Directors and everything in between.”

Graef’s leadership, dedication, and ability to get into the day to day details helped bring the company to its leadership position in the market. Hunger continues, “Having been active in the industry for over 45 years – Russ has touched many lives, enjoyed countless friendships and made a lasting impact on many with his creativity and passion for solutions.”

Bob Leef, Senior V.P. East, commemorates Graef stating, “Russ valued people, employees and family above anything else. He would always go the extra mile when anyone needed help or guidance. I will miss a great boss, mentor and friend.”

It was Graef and his team’s vision to provide customers with nimble and responsive intermodal solutions – a concept which took off, propelling CPG to become a leading provider of container drayage throughout the United States. “Russ was a visionary long before the term was widely used in our industry. We are all very fortunate and blessed to have had him as a fearless leader – one who always led by example,” states Jim Kramer, Senior V.P. Midwest, embracing Graef’s legacy.

Graef forged the organization’s culture of operating as a national company run by local talent. It is this culture which has been one of CPG’s greatest keys to success, empowering the company to stand the test of time. Kramer remarks, “Russ believed in all of us, believed in our ability to be great. He would see people not as they are, but what they could become. He was our teacher, and the lessons he taught us will always live on within CPG.”

Graef’s enduring ambition for ContainerPort Group was to build a visionary company dedicated to providing innovative cargo transportation and freight services while delivering the highest level of customer service available in the industry. We will continue on with his legacy, embracing the unique culture he created that will sustain us for many years to come.

CLEVELAND, OH – August 22, 2017 – World Shipping, Inc. announced today that Dennis “Doc” Mahoney has elected to retire from his position as Vice President, Operations, after 24 years of service with the company.

“Over his long career, Mahoney has assembled an unrivaled reputation for his passion and devotion to building our Vessel Operations Division into what it is today,” said Frederick Hunger, World Shipping’s CEO. “The industry as a whole has been the true beneficiary of his talent. We wish him and his wife Debbie all the best as they enjoy the fruits of retirement.”

Mahoney has worked in the maritime industry for over 40 years and has spent his career as a vessel agent with Great Lakes Overseas, worked as a stevedoring foreman at Great Lakes International, and managed the Cleveland office of Fedmar International. Since 1993, Mahoney has lent his talents to the World Shipping team, where we have all benefited from his persistence and dedication to finding solutions.

Mahoney enjoyed the diversity of the job, stating, “it takes an appreciation and understanding of what it takes to get the job done to realize the importance of everyone’s role.” He was instrumental in expanding the vessel operations department in Chicago, and more recently in Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). With the leadership of Jackie Csiszar, Director of Vessel Agency Operations, World Shipping will continue its success as the maritime concierge for all Great Lakes Ports.

About World Shipping, Inc.

Since 1960, World Shipping has been active in serving shippers and receivers of international cargo operating in multiple segments, including vessel agency operations, freight forwarding, ocean freight, trucking, rail operations, warehousing and distribution, bulk liquid international logistics, and customs clearance. Headquartered in Cleveland, OH, The World Group includes World Shipping, Inc., ContainerPort Group, UWL, Inc., World Distribution Services, and NewPort Tank Containers.

CLEVELAND, OH – June 19, 2017 – The global shipping industry lost one of its early pioneers recently with the passing of Jack E. Hunger. Hunger, a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point) in 1957 went on to form World Shipping, Inc., one of the industry’s pioneering companies in the Great Lakes Vessel and Liner Agency business. Over the years, World Shipping represented many premier liner companies in the US Midwest. The company now has a global reach through its forwarding operations (UWL), and is active in the warehousing (WDS) and trucking (CPG) sectors though its subsidiary operations. Notes of remembrance can be sent to the company at info@www.worldshipping.com.

About World Shipping, Inc.
Since 1960, World Shipping has been active in serving shippers and receivers of international cargo operating in multiple segments, including vessel agency operations, freight forwarding, ocean freight, trucking, rail operations, warehousing and distribution, bulk liquid international logistics, and customs clearance. Headquartered in Cleveland, OH, The World Group includes World Shipping, Inc., ContainerPort Group, UWL, Inc., World Distribution Services, and NewPort Tank Containers.

CLEVELAND, OH (November 2, 2016) – UWL, LLC, an asset-based global forwarder, continues to quickly accelerate their growing portfolio since coordinating their customs brokerage services with parent company, World Shipping, Inc. A customs house broker (CHB), is a critical service provided by logistics companies to ensure that import cargo is correctly cleared with US customs. They are licensed by the U.S. Treasury Department after passing a rigorous written examination and an extensive background investigation.

“We are no longer just clearing traditional containerized imports and airfreight, but are now clearing the international bulk vessels coming into the Great Lakes today,” states Shannon Dillinger, licensed CHB at UWL. Dillinger, who offers 18 years of experience, utilizes her quality team of logistics professionals to remain competitive. “Where a traditional container vessel would require thousands of clearances, a single bulk vessel may only require a few or sometimes just one, if all the cargo is on one Bill of Lading. The main difference, however, is that you have to be on call 24 x 7 for these types of clearances and the vessels are not arriving in exact schedules like the liner vessels. This type of service takes on a whole new level for our brokerage team, as we now have to be a 24 x 7 operation.”

It is no surprise to observers that UWL would expand their comprehensive services, as World Shipping, Inc. has been in the vessel agency business for over 55 years and handles both saltwater and laker vessels in the Great Lakes. Jackie Csiszar, World Shipping’s Director-Vessel Operations, told us, “Today, we are the largest vessel agency in the U.S. and Great Lakes, with recent expansion into Lake Ontario, Canada. This new service allows the World Shipping Group of companies to expand our services to the customer. Our big advantage is that we work seamlessly internally, as we know the exact movement, berthing of the vessels and our customs brokerage team is just down the hall from my team, so we all work in unison.”

World Shipping has continued to grow significantly in 2016 and has added many jobs locally at their corporate headquarters. Today, they are now the largest logistics company in the Cleveland area.

UWL is a full service, asset-based global 3PL. We are fully licensed and bonded to provide freight forwarding, customs house brokerage, ocean freight (FCL, LCL), bulk liquid logistics, supply chain visibility, vessel chartering services and project cargo and airfreight internationally. We also provide road and rail freight, overweight cargo solutions, domestic truck brokerage (FTL/LTL), warehousing and distribution using our network of 20 warehouses strategically located across the U.S. We use technology to tie these services together to provide worldwide, integrated solutions. UWL is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio with additional management offices across the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America.

UWL is a subsidiary of World Shipping Inc., an industry leader since 1960 with over 55 years of market experience dedicated to providing innovative cargo transportation and freight services while delivering the highest level of customer service available in the industry. Headquartered in Cleveland, OH, The World Group of Companies include World Shipping, Inc., ContainerPort Group, UWL, World Distribution Services and Newport Tank Containers. The World Group provides seamless end-to-end solutions with maximum control of the supply chain.

For those of us who work in – and with – the intermodal industry, one thing is clear. Often, the most challenging – and expensive – parts of the process are the first and last miles. I often hear from customers who, prior to working with my team and I at World Shipping, Inc., have experienced gaps in efficiency across the supply chain that cause them deep delays and balloon costs. The World Group difference has always been to innovate on behalf of our customers – connecting modes and expanding the services that count.

It was an honor to share our experience as a leader in finding solutions for moving cargo throughout all modes of transportation – domestically and worldwide. Since 1960, when the St. Lawrence Seaway opened and our founder Jack Hunger recognized the need for vessel operations, we quickly grew into the leading vessel husbandry company in the Great Lakes. Today, we continue to understand the importance of that “first mile” as we service a wide array of customers – a testament to early innovation and a dedication to superior customer service.

We have built strong partnerships with our customers, each of the ports on the Great Lakes that we service (this year, adding all Lake Ontario Ports to our network), U.S. and Canadian Government Officials, along with many vendors who service these vessels. These types of relationships combine with our extensive track record in this region to allow us to be the premier partner to anyone moving freight – or thinking about doing so – in the region. This directly translates to our ability to help customers save money while conducting “last mile” transactions in the Great Lakes

Finally, I had a chance to showcase one of World Shipping’s newest examples of innovating to stay a step ahead of customer requests: The WDS Container Transload Facility (CTF). This one-of-a-kind logistics hub located in Columbus, Ohio perfectly brings together all services to support the process through the “last mile.”

It was a pleasure to be invited to share our story at the 10th Annual Ohio Conference on Freight. I look forward to more opportunities to come!

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences recently invited Jackie Csiszar, Director Business Development, World Shipping, Inc. to speak at their quarterly Dinner & Discussion series in Columbus. As a logistics veteran that has spent the last 19 years leading Business Development for World Shipping, Jackie is passionate about speaking with students about the scope of opportunity within the industry. She was particularly interested in showcasing the type of careers available and giving insight into what makes this business exciting.

Many people – upon hearing ‘logistics’ – think the implications of what we do starts and stops with transportation. While that is certainly a part of it, there are many different aspects to this industry. What we do goes beyond loading cargo into containers – it’s about the global economy and how we drive business around the world.

In addition to giving students a sense of the logistics landscape, Jackie enjoyed the format of the series being conversational in nature. This allowed her to connect with the students in a two-way dialogue, giving them the chance to ask engaging questions.

Jackie was very impressed with the students she met with; they were extremely bright and curious. Being involved with education opportunities such as these, fuels Jackie’s passion and appreciation for this industry. She is committed to helping develop those entering the field and looks forward to continuing the partnership between The Ohio State University and World Shipping for years to come!

No matter where in the world a product or piece of machinery needs to go, World Shipping can get it there. “We’re a middle-market company that’s focused on high-service delivery to the discerning international shipper,” President and CEO Fred Hunger says.

World Shipping’s advantage in the logistics market stems from the ability to coordinate and connect its subsidiary companies, each of which specializes in aspects of the supply chain. “We tie together our assets, such as trucks, chassis, tank fleet, warehouses with our customs house brokerage, import/export teams, international offices and deep-sea operations. There’s virtually no international logistics move that we can’t solve or perform with our group,” Hunger explains.

The typical World Shipping customer is focused on manufacturing and marketing products and needs a partner to provide shipping solutions. “They’re relying on us to provide a global, effective distribution system for them,” Hunger says of clients. World Shipping’s subsidiaries have offices in more than a dozen countries, allowing the company to provide customers with a local structure and to work closely with manufacturing clients to lessen the time it takes to deliver a product to market. “Our company has a proud history of providing world-class customer service. We now look to build on that legacy with key investments in technology and skin in the game in terms of assets to service clients,” Hunger adds. “[We are] growing globally while maintaining our continued focus on service and quality.”

Fred Hunger’s father, Jack Hunger, founded World Shipping in 1960 following the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway the year before. The series of canals and locks made the Atlantic Ocean accessible to Great Lakes communities and provided business opportunities for logistics companies, such as World Shipping, to coordinate the rising delivery of goods to the region. By the 1960s, containers had become a more significant part of the shipping industry and World Shipping transitioned its business to liner agents for steam ships to enter the global trade market. “Over time we have grown strategically into a complete international logistics company,” Hunger says.

CLEVELAND, OH (November 11th, 2015) – World Shipping, Inc. honored local veterans during a ceremony and celebration on Wednesday, November 11th, 2015 at 11:00am. U.S Air Force veteran, Chris Castell, presented World Shipping, Inc. with the U.S flag he earned while serving oversees as Director of Supply Chain, Logistics & Operations. Castell served in the U.S Air Force for over 15 years before entering into a successful career in supply chain management and logistics, as a civilian. Castell now works for the Rocky River-based company as Director of Operations, North America at NewPort Tank Containers (A World Group Company).

“I am so proud to work for a company that is passionate about recognizing employees that have honorably served our country. Not all employers take the time to celebrate their teams. The fact that the World Shipping, Inc. does take the time to acknowledge our employee milestones, shows that we are a company that operates with integrity.”

John Hunger, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer for World Shipping, Inc. emphasized the importance of taking the time to honor employee veterans; “We as a company believe in the importance of showcasing the achievements of our employees. One of the greatest achievements that we’ve been able to identify, are the 27 individuals within our organization that are United States Veterans. These men and women have stood up for our country and have allowed us to enjoy the freedoms that we have today. The very minimum of what we can do is recognize them for their service.”

The timing of the ceremony was significant, as it represented the historical events that transpired causing Veterans Day to come into existence on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the month of 1918. Each employee veteran was given a Veterans Day pin so they could be visibly recognized for their dedication to their country and their company. Following the ceremony complimentary refreshments from The Manna food truck were provided for employees to enjoy.

About World Shipping, Inc.

Since 1960, World Shipping has been active in serving shippers and receivers of international cargo operating in multiple segments, including vessel agency operations, freight forwarding, ocean freight, trucking, rail operations, warehousing and distribution, bulk liquid international logistics, and customs clearance. Headquartered in Cleveland, OH, The World Group companies include World Shipping, Inc., ContainerPort Group, UWL, World Distribution Services, and NewPort Tank Containers.

When did you begin working at UWL and how did you progress to where you are today?

I joined the team in Fall of 2012 in Procurement & Inside Sales. I helped to build the tool that houses rates, even up until today. It was exciting create the platform that ensures effective, global supply chain visibility on the behalf of our customers. It helped me gain relationships with ocean carriers, which presented me with an opportunity to think about how to better reach customers. I had the opportunity to be involved with Jane and Fred in re-branding and ideating on better ways to introduce our company to clients. Recently I moved to Outside Sales to better support Jane – it’s been great.

What attracted you to the company?

I was really attracted to the idea of being a part of a start-up within a larger company. In this case, the opportunity to grow an NVO into a much larger player in the industry. There was a lot of mystery and unwritten processes.

What projects are you most proud of?

I’m still really proud of the Rate Tool that I helped to create, which has been used from 2012 through today. The single-view functionality is really nice. I’m also extremely proud of the work we did in the past year with the UWL rebrand – helping to define our purpose, what are we trying to do and how we best problem-solve on behalf of our customers.

What do you love about your industry?

I’m always doing something different – there is never a shortage of challenges to solve using the skills I’ve learned. I’ve talked to a lot of people that have worked in this area for much longer than I have and they say that no matter how long you’re in the industry, you’re always learning something new. I like learning so that is appealing to me. Additionally, what we do is somewhat “underground” – people don’t know much about shipping/logistics. It makes me feel like an insider in an industry that is the backbone of not just America, but the world (freight).

What are your career goals?

I really enjoy what I’m doing now in sales. It’s all about building relationships which allows me to understand customer needs first-hand. One day it would be exciting to help manage a sales team. I’m passionate about mentorship – it’s fun to teach others. For example, Mark came on to fill my former position and I was able to help him learn on the job. It was my first time mentoring and it was extremely fulfilling – growing talent is important to our organization.

Do you have a mentor? Tell me about him or her?

Duncan has impacted me greatly. I’ve been able to see how he works on sales trips. He’s taught me a lot about how to anticipate customer needs and challenged me to be prepared on a new level. I wasn’t as prepared as I could be – I’ve been able to grow as a result. He’s also taught me how to prospect.

I’ve also learned a lot recently from Eric Gilmore. He came from Expeditors, which is very structured and ridged. He has taught me about why procedures are important. For example, it’s helped me to think through steps in between points A and B.

What would you say to someone thinking of getting into your field?

It’s not for everyone but it is very rewarding. You have to be able to multi-task and you don’t get a lot of thanks but you’re making a difference in customers’ business first-hand. Everything from the customers’ supply chain down to the end customer being able to purchase goods. At the end of the day, it’s all about the people – it’s not just transactional like outsiders think – you need to build trust & confidence through relationships. That takes time and hard work.

How would you describe the corporate culture?

Especially this year – with all of the growth across the company – leadership has encouraged innovative thinking from everyone (it’s truly part of our culture). I’m also a part of the Buzz Group. Buzz is there to reward employees. Everyone is working really hard – we want to give back to employees – it all goes back to people.

What are 3 words that co-workers would use to describe you?

Vegetarian (but don’t let me cook – and I love Taco Bell!)

(A little) Crazy

Social

What do you do for fun?

I love doing things w/ other people. I also love NFL football, playing volleyball and having friends over for bonfires.

Give us a fun fact or something your co-workers wouldn’t know about you:

I recently went skydiving. It was terrifying & super fun…and I’d probably go again if invited, but might not elect to seek it out again myself!

I’m also a Youth Group Leader, part time for middle schoolers at my church. They’re really good kids. It’s very rewarding – you’re building relationships & mentoring them through their youth. Sometimes they ask silly questions; sometimes it’s serious.